ZeniMax Media Acquires id Software

ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, just announced today that they have completed the acquisition of id Software.

For anyone living under a rock, id Software developed legendary games such as DOOM, Quake and Wolfenstein... and Bethesda has developed the popular Elder Scrolls series of RPGs and more recently, Fallout 3. This brings two critically acclaimed developers (Bethesda Softworks and id Software) together under ZeniMax Media.

Bethesda will be publishing id Software's upcoming titles other than those that have already been committed to other publishers.

Interesting announcement...

New Fallout Goodies

Bethesda has posted some new concept art and a new team development diary for the upcoming Fallout 3. Check these goodies out and the link below:


http://fallout.bethsoft.com/eng/vault/diaries_diary3-1.09.08.html

Shivering Isles Disc for PS3 Ships

Bethesda Softworks has just announced that the retail disc for Shivering Isles is now shipping to stores for the PS3.

Now gamers who have yet to experience the exciting Shivering Isles expansion can finally explore the realm of Sheogorath! The expansion promises 30 hours of gameplay, expanded story, along with plenty of new quests, items and areas to explore.

A similar retail disc is already available for the Xbox 360. You can also play Shivering Isles through Oblivion - Game of the Year Edition.

Fallout Site News

Bethesda has just announced that the official Fallout site has been updated with a new team diary by lead artist, Istvan Pely. In this diary Istvan walks readers through the process of creating the Pip-Boy 3000 along with some concept art pieces.

A final bit of news for European gamers, the Fallout site is now also available in French, Italian, German, and Spanish, including new content such as the updated diary.

Visit the official site here: http://fallout.bethsoft.com/

Shivering Isles for PS3!

Bethesda has just announced that a Shivering Isles retail disc is in the works for the PS3!

This retail disc will be similar to the previously released Xbox 360 retail version of the game. It will allow PS3 gamers to experience Shivering Isles whether they own the Game of the Year Edition or not! Game of the Year Edition was released for the PS3 in October and includes Oblivion as well as Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles.

Shivering Isles will add many additional hours of gameplay to the Oblivion experience, packed with new quests, a large world to explore, new enemies to battle and new items to gather.

The Shivering Isles standalone retail disc for PS3 is scheduled to ship November 20, 2007.

Oblivion GotY for PS3 Ships

Bethesda Softworks has just announced that Oblivion: Game of the Year Edition for the PS3 is now shipping.

Game of the Year Edition is an exciting compilation, including Oblivion, Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles. It is already available for the Xbox 360. If you haven't played Oblivion yet, this complete package is a must have!

Also shipping to retailers now is the Shivering Isles retail disc. This will allow players who don't have access to Xbox Live to play the massive Shivering Isles expansion.

A last bit of Oblivion news, remember to download Fighter's Stronghold today while it's still free. It's the latest bit of downloadable content and it's not included in the Game of the Year Edition.

MORE Oblivion

As if Oblivion wasn't big enough, Bethesda has just announced the latest and final bit of downloadable content for their massive RPG.

This last bit of content is called Fighter's Stronghold and allows you to defeat the attacking marauders and become lord of Battlehorn Castle. Here are the game's features:

• A fully detailed castle for you to explore
• Knights of the True Horn patrol the castle and do your bidding
• Secret treasure vault
• Upgrade the furnishings in every area of the castle
• Hire a vintner to create special wines to enhance your fighting abilities
• Hire a combat trainer to spar with
• Hire a taxidermist to craft lifelike trophies for your great hall
• Purchase an ancient Dwemer Forge that buffs your Armorer skill

Fighter's Stronghold will be available for download starting October 15th for PC and Xbox 360. They will be giving it away free for one week, so make sure to jump right on top of it!

I've downloaded all of the Oblivion content now... and as much as I love Oblivion, part of me was glad to finally have the game behind me. Ah well, Oblivion, I can't quit you!!!

Fallout 3 Contest

Bethesda has announced a new contest celebrating the 10th anniversary of Fallout.

To honor the occasion they're holding a "Design a Perk" contest where Fallout fans can design a new Perk for Fallout. The winner will have their Perk included in Fallout 3 and will have their choice of either a PC or Console Grand Prize pack that includes all sorts of goodies!

Aside from the grand prize, Bethesda will also be giving away a bunch of other cool stuff to the best of the rest, such as Logitech gear and Fallout 3 stuff, and some prizes will be given away at random... so you might as well sign-up!

Find out more detail about the contest and sign-up here: http://fallout.bethsoft.com/vault/falloutcontest.html

Oblivion GotYE Ships!

Bethesda Softworks has announced that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition for PC and Xbox 360 is now shippint to retailers across North America!

Oblivion Game of the Year Edition includes the critically acclaimed original version of Oblivion, along with the official expansion, The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles, and the downloadable content, Knights of the Nine.

Gamers who never had the chance to experience Oblivion now have the perfect opportunity to pick up the complete game in one handy little package. Those who played the original but missed out on the downloadable content and expansion may also want to pick up Game of the Year Edition because it conveniently includes the extra content without the hassle of downloading it. Players who have already ventured into Oblivion can continue their existing games while playing Game of the Year Edition.

Oblivion has recently become a Platinum Hit on the Xbox 360.

Shivering Isles Xbox 360 Disc!

Bethesda Softworks Announces The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles Xbox 360 Retail Disc.

The game has been available on for PC and for download through Live for several months now, but gamers who don't have access to Xbox Live will finally be able to play the critically acclaimed expansion to Oblivion.

Shivering Isles includes an additional 30 hours of gameplay and allows gamers to explore an entirely new Plane of Oblivion - Sheogorath.

The retail disk also features the Knights of the Nine content, such as the new faction and items, and all additional downloadable content, including the Thieves Den and Mehrunes Razor. Shivering Isles for Xbox 360 will be available in retail stores in October!

Additionally, Oblivion Game of the Year Edition will ship to retailers nationwide next week for PC and Xbox 360. The Box art for the Xbox 360 version of Game of the Year Edition and the new Xbox 360 Shivering Isles retail version are available below. Click to zoom in!

New Fallout 3 Site

Bethesda Softworks has just launched a brand new site for Fallout.

This new site has new wallpapers, new art, new avatars, a development team diary from Todd Howard, and a display of Fallout 3's recent E3 awards.

Be sure to jump in and check the site out right here: http://fallout.bethsoft.com/

ZeniMax Online Studios Launches!

ZeniMax Media Inc., the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, announced today the creation of ZeniMax Online Studios.

This new studio will be focused on creating MMO games and headed by Matt Firor, a gaming industry veteran. Firor was one of the founders of Mythic Entertainment where he worked on Dark age of Camelot.

I've always been a fan of Bethesda, so I'm curious to see what kind of MMOs they can come up with.

For more information, visit their new site: http://www.zenimaxonline.com/

Oblivion: Game of the Year Edition Announced

Bethesda Softworks has just announced the upcoming release of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Game of the Year Edition.

This Edition of the game will be available on store shelves in September, 2007 for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. It will include all of the content from Shivering Isles, Knights of the Nine, and all of the extra downloadable content.

As an Oblivion fan, I'm personally glad to hear this news, although I must admit I expected it sooner or later. After all, Bethesda did the same thing for Morrowind.

Liam Neeson in Fallout

Bethesda has announced that acclaimed actor Liam Neeson will lend his voice the main protagonist's father in Fallout 3.

“This role was written with Liam in mind, and provides the dramatic tone for the entire game,” said Todd Howard, Executive Producer of Fallout 3. “Liam is absolutely amazing to work with.”

Neeson is known for his work in films like Star Wars: Episode One and Batman Begins.

Fallout 3 Countdown Begins!

Bethesda has updated their official Fallout site with a countdown to the release of the Fallout 3 teaser trailer.

On the site you'll also find concept art created in conjunction with noted concept artist Craig Mullins, as well as a streaming version of the Fallout 3 title track. The site will be updated weekly, and new concept are is on the way!

Bethesda Owns Fallout

Bethesda has recently purchased the rights to the Fallout series.

The Elder Scrolls developers had already purchased the rights to develop new titles in the Fallout series, but under the new agreement with Interplay, Bethesda finds themselves as the sole owner of the series.

Interplay is currently working on a Fallout MMO, which they must now license from Bethesda. Under the agreement Interplay has four years to complete the game.

You can read the full story here.

Oblivion for PS3 Shipping!

Bethesda Softworks has announced that Oblivion for the PS3 is now shipping!

The critically acclaimed RPG will be available in North American stores as early as Tuesday, March 20th.

PS3 fans who are eager for an RPG to play should definately pick up Oblivion. The game has already been released on PC and Xbox 360 to great reviews.

New Oblivion Trailers

Bethesda has just released two new trailers for the Oblivion games that are scheduled for release this month.

The first trailer is for The Shivering Isles, an expansion headed for PC and Xbox 360. The game will be available March 26th for $29.99 on PC or 2400 points on Xbox Live.

The second trailer is for the upcoming PS3 version of the game, which will be released on March 19th with a retail price of $59.99.

Head on over to The Elder Scrolls site to download the new trailers.

Oblivion PS3 Dated

Gamespot has confirmed from Bethesda that Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion will be released on the PS3 on March 20, 2007. The game was initially supposed to be a launch title, but just like the Xbox 360 version, saw last minute delays.

PS3 fans are in for a treat when one of the most highly praised RPGs ever is released on their system in just a few weeks. Assuming it's actually released this time...

Thanks Gamespot.